Love That Ripples

Love That Ripples Bonnie D'Souza, MSN, RN
End of Life Doula & Healing Arts Practitioner

Sometimes what we need most are simple, concrete practices we can turn to when grief feels overwhelming during this busy...
12/17/2025

Sometimes what we need most are simple, concrete practices we can turn to when grief feels overwhelming during this busy season.

Rather than "fixing" your grief or pushing through the pain, these are about creating small moments of caring for yourself as you carry this tender heart through the holidays.

❄️Talk about your grief with people who can truly listen.
❄️Rest when your body asks for it.
❄️Say no to what drains you.
❄️Communicate your needs clearly.
❄️Allow yourself to cry.
❄️Honor your loved one in ways that feel meaningful.
❄️Return to your breath when you feel overwhelmed.
❄️Write what needs to be expressed.
❄️Notice what you're grateful for, alongside what hurts.

You get to choose what serves you. And what serves you one day might not help the next, and that's okay too.

There's a quiet power in having a plan during the holidays. Not a rigid schedule, but a gentle structure that helps you ...
12/16/2025

There's a quiet power in having a plan during the holidays. Not a rigid schedule, but a gentle structure that helps you anticipate rather than just react.

Decide ahead of time which traditions you want to keep and which ones you might set aside this year. Consider what would feel meaningful and what would feel like too much. Give yourself permission to change your mind.

Structure with flexibility. Planning with room to pivot.

This doesn't mean you'll avoid all the hard moments. But it might mean fewer moments where you feel blindsided or overwhelmed.

Please remember receiving support is not a sign of weakness. Whether it's attending a remembrance ceremony, meeting with a counselor, scheduling a healing session, or gathering with others who understand grief, you don't have to navigate this season alone.

My free guide includes ideas for planning your holidays in a way that honors both your needs and your loved one. Message me if you'd like a copy. 🤍

Final day for these special offers on sessions with me 🤍
12/13/2025

Final day for these special offers on sessions with me 🤍

With my birthday approaching, I'd like to share some special offers with you in honor of my year of traveling around the sun.

If you've been considering having a session with me, perhaps this is your invitation? And if you're feeling a nudge but are unclear which direction to go, I'm always happy to chat with you. I'm honored to support your healing journey.

These offers will be available through December 13th.
Link in bio for more info and to schedule our time together. 🤍

Something I've witnessed is the worry that including our loved ones in the holidays will make everyone uncomfortable, or...
12/13/2025

Something I've witnessed is the worry that including our loved ones in the holidays will make everyone uncomfortable, or that speaking their name will "bring down" the celebration.

What I've come to learn, though, is that the silence often feels heavier than the speaking.

When you include them in conversation, when you welcome your memories, when you create rituals that honor them, you're not creating sadness.

The sadness is already there. You're simply making space for your love to be present too.

Their favorite foods, a candle lit in their memory, or their name spoken aloud aren't things to avoid. They're ways to acknowledge that love doesn't end with death.

If you're looking for more ways to honor your loved one and your grief this season, my free guide includes additional ideas for you. Message me for a copy. 💚

One of the most challenging aspects of grieving during the holidays is knowing how to care for yourself when everything ...
12/11/2025

One of the most challenging aspects of grieving during the holidays is knowing how to care for yourself when everything feels like too much.

Your body and mind are carrying a lot right now. Perhaps more than usual as the season amplifies what's missing. This is not the time to push through or keep up appearances.

I invite you to:
• Listen to what your body is telling you
• Release obligations that drain your energy
• Tell the people in your life what you actually need
• Seek out those who can hold space for all of your feelings

You don't have to have it all figured out. Even saying "I'm not sure what I need, but I know this doesn't feel right" is enough.

My free guide includes more thoughts and practices for tending to yourself during this season. Message me if you'd like a copy.

The holidays can feel overwhelming when you're grieving. Before diving into all the decisions about gatherings and tradi...
12/09/2025

The holidays can feel overwhelming when you're grieving. Before diving into all the decisions about gatherings and traditions, I invite you to pause and set your foundation.

What would it mean to move through this season with intention? To honor both your grief and the possibility of moments of light? To give yourself permission to return to the present when the past or future feel too heavy?

There are no rules to follow, rather some invitations to consider. Your journey through the holidays will be uniquely yours, and that's exactly as it should be.

If you'd like more support navigating this tender season, I've created a free guide with gentle practices and reminders. Message me for a copy. 💚

In the midst of this holiday season, I’ve been sitting with the way grief changes shape during this time of year. Perhap...
12/02/2025

In the midst of this holiday season, I’ve been sitting with the way grief changes shape during this time of year. Perhaps you've noticed it or anticipate it too. The lights, the music, the gatherings... they can amplify what's missing in ways that catch us off guard.

Here's what I know to be true: Love does not end with death. And because love continues, so does grief. The holidays may intensify these feelings, not because something is wrong with you, but because this season asks us to celebrate while our hearts are tender with loss.

I've created a free guide of gentle practices and reminders to help you navigate this time.

Message me if you'd like a copy. I'd be honored to share it with you.

May your heart feel my gratitude for joining me in this journey.Perhaps you responded to most of the questions here or p...
12/01/2025

May your heart feel my gratitude for joining me in this journey.

Perhaps you responded to most of the questions here or perhaps your heart led you to privately noticing the questions day to day, I honor and trust in however these 30-days unfolded for you.

Much love to you. 🤍

Our final reflection for the 30-Day Gratitude Journey: Reflecting on this month, what shift in perspective are you grate...
11/30/2025

Our final reflection for the 30-Day Gratitude Journey: Reflecting on this month, what shift in perspective are you grateful for?

I invite you to sit with this question today, letting what wants to be acknowledged rise to the surface. There's no need to search for the "right" answer, just notice what emerges.

Today's question: What are you learning to accept or embrace about yourself?May you give yourself permission today to si...
11/29/2025

Today's question: What are you learning to accept or embrace about yourself?

May you give yourself permission today to simply notice what your heart already knows.

I continue to share my own reflections in the "Love That Ripples with Bonnie D'Souza" group, and I'd be honored to witness yours there too.

Today's question: Who has loved you through your messiest moments?May you give yourself permission today to simply notic...
11/28/2025

Today's question: Who has loved you through your messiest moments?

May you give yourself permission today to simply notice what your heart already knows.

I continue to share my own reflections in the "Love That Ripples with Bonnie D'Souza" group, and I'd be honored to witness yours there too.

Today's question: What aspect of your life feels abundant right now?May you give yourself permission today to simply not...
11/27/2025

Today's question: What aspect of your life feels abundant right now?

May you give yourself permission today to simply notice what your heart already knows.

I continue to share my own reflections in the "Love That Ripples with Bonnie D'Souza" group, and I'd be honored to witness yours there too.

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